The bill amends the Water Code and the Special District Local Laws Code to regulate the transfer of groundwater outside the boundaries of groundwater conservation districts. A new provision is added to Section 36.122, which requires that if an application for a permit proposes the transfer of groundwater from a well capable of producing 25,000 gallons or more per day, the district must notify other districts in its management area. The permit cannot be issued unless at least two-thirds of the districts in that area approve it by a majority vote. Additionally, the boards of these districts must consider the potential impact of the permit on achieving desired future conditions for the management area.

In the Special District Local Laws Code, the bill modifies Section 8863.103(c) by removing specific conditions under which a transfer of groundwater within a district's boundaries for use outside the district would not be considered a transfer outside the district. The previous conditions included transfers for potable water supply by retail public utilities and emergency interconnects between utilities. The changes aim to enhance oversight and ensure that groundwater management is consistent across districts, particularly for significant transfers. The provisions of the new law will apply only to permits issued after the effective date of the Act, which is set for 91 days following the end of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Water Code 36.122, Special District Local Laws Code 8863.103 (Water Code 36, Special District Local Laws Code 8863)